Smart Cities

Smart cities

Sustainable urban futures

The concept of Smart Cities is set to redefine urban sustainability.

Norway, with its track record of innovation, is well-equipped to lead in the realm of smart cities. Norwegian innovations prioritize sustainable urban development, from intelligent transportation systems to eco-friendly infrastructure and data-driven governance.

Rogaland stands at the forefront of this urban transformation:

Collaborative ecosystem
Rogaland fosters a collaborative environment, bringing together government, industry, academia, and communities to drive smart city innovation and implementation.

This collaborative ethos aligns with the broader national initiative in Norway. The "Roadmap for smart and sustainable cities and communities in Norway," launched in 2019, exemplifies this collaborative spirit. Developed by Design and Architecture Norway (DOGA) and the Norwegian Smart City Network, the roadmap acts as a guide for local and regional authorities, emphasizing collaboration and co-creation. More than 150 contributors from various sectors and levels of government have provided input, creating a shared vision for smart cities.

Proximity to European markets
Located in close proximity to major European markets, Rogaland offers an ideal gateway for companies seeking to expand their smart city technologies and services across the continent.

An example of the region’s position within Europe is Stavanger’s participation in the Lighthouse Project for European Smart Cities and Communities – Triangulum, funder under the EU Horizon 2020 programme. As a designated lighthouse city, Stavanger collaborates with 22 partners to integrate energy, mobility, and ICT, showcasing groundbreaking initiatives such as testing energy systems in homes, constructing renewable-based energy centres, and introducing battery buses.

Startup and innovation support
The region offers support for startups and innovative enterprises focused on smart city solutions, fostering a dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurial growth and development.

The city of Stavanger serves as a shining example. Having developed Norway's first local smart city roadmap in 2015, Stavanger has since become a dedicated smart city hub. The city's smart city office, co-created by local and regional stakeholders, exemplifies how collaboration can drive innovation. Stavanger's success, including winning the Mobility Award and being named Norway's smartest city, underscores the effectiveness of combining innovative projects with community involvement.

Nordic Edge

Driving smart and sustainable solutions

Nordic Edge, a non-profit organization based in Stavanger, Norway, operates as a key player in fostering smart and sustainable cities and communities. As an Arena Pro cluster, Nordic Edge brings together private companies, public sectors, academia, and finance institutions to collaboratively develop, test, scale, and export innovative urban solutions. With a focus on being the driving force for its cluster members, Nordic Edge initiates partnerships, accelerates project cooperation, creates commercial opportunities, and facilitates knowledge-sharing. The organization's annual Nordic Edge Expo & Conference serves as a platform for showcasing scalable solutions and promoting sustainable development goals. Sustainability is at the core of Nordic Edge's mission, recognizing the challenges posed by urbanization and aiming to address them through collaborative efforts across sectors and borders. Through activities like the Expo and Innoasis, a co-working space, Nordic Edge contributes to advancing smarter and greener urban living, emphasizing a human-centric, inclusive, and collaborative approach.

Moving transport to waterways

Hyke and Zeabuz, renowned pioneers in autonomous ferry technology, are poised to play a pivotal role in transforming urban transportation for the Seine and the upcoming Winter Olympics in Paris. By shifting transport to waterways, these innovative companies are addressing the pressing issue of urban congestion head-on.

Hyke's electric and autonomous passenger ferries offer a sustainable solution for reducing traffic gridlock in Paris. These vessels provide efficient and eco-friendly urban mobility, seamlessly connecting key points along the Seine and alleviating the burden on road networks.

Zeabuz, known for its versatile autonomous ferries, is set to revolutionize cargo transportation in preparation for the Winter Olympics. Their larger vessels can efficiently transport goods, reducing the strain on overland routes and minimizing emissions.

Both companies prioritize sustainability and precision, utilizing advanced technologies to navigate safely and efficiently. By embracing autonomous ferry systems, Paris is not only enhancing transportation options but also promoting a greener, more accessible urban environment that aligns with its commitment to hosting a sustainable Winter Olympics.

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